Imagine sitting by a gorgeous pool, the best margarita you’ve ever had in hand– and a pool butler nearby to spritz you if you get too hot.
Did I mention your room at the luxury resort can be had for $150—or less.
Welcome to Arizona in the summer. Sure it’s hot. But there’s plenty to do in the heat of the day—starting with resorts’ water playgrounds, expansive spas and the first rate Musical Instrument Museum. (Here’s what I said about my visit there.)
You can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon or go see the famous red rocks of Sedona. Try an afternoon shopping or eating in Old Town Scottsdale where there’s lots of nightlife and an art walk every Thursday evening— that’s assuming you want to move from your resort:
— The margaritas are famous at La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. I loved the guacamole they made tableside. There’s the new Well & Being program at the resort’s Willow Stream Spa that combines health, nutrition, fitness, spa treatments and yoga. There are water slides, a zip line, dive-in movies and fireworks at night. This hotel is pet friendly, so no need to leave Fluffy at home. Summer rates start at just $169 with a daily $50 food or spa credit.
— The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, located at the base of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, is all-suites which is great for families. Kids will love the River Ranch water park and Coyote Camp. Come celebrate the 60s and 70s in June and 80s in July with special poolside activities-are you ready for a hula hoop contest? The best part: Summer rates start at just $109 a night.
— The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort set amid 12 million year old boulder formations, keep outdoor adventures going even after the sun goes down. I went on a moonlight bike tour to see the desert night and the stars were amazing. There’s a moonlight walking tour to see night-blooming cactus, moonlight/sunset yoga with panoramic vistas, moonlight private shaman mediation with the spa’s resident shaman and moonlight massages. You can even opt for a dinner at the spa’s Organic Garden while the resident astrologer explains the movement of the constellations. Let’s not forget the two golf courses
— The historic Arizona Biltmore has been an Arizona landmark since it opened in 1929, spread out on 30 acres at the foot of the mountains. There are eight pools, a swim-up bar, 92-foot water slide, two golf courses, a huge spa with natural healing treatments and six restaurants. Kids can even take a cooking lesson. At night, hang out at the bar patio fire pits and take in the views of Squaw Peak. This summer there will be Pool Butlers if you need spritz of Evian and a Poolside Spa team offering mini treatments. In honor of the resort’s 85th anniversary, there are $85 specials—from massages to gourmet experiences. Summer rates at the luxury resort start at just $109 a night with an all-inclusive package for two just $100 more.
Just remember your sunscreen—and water bottle.
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